London: Children's Open Top Bus Tour - Halloween Special

Planning a family trip to London can be exciting but also overwhelming. Finding activities that entertain both kids and adults without breaking the bank is a challenge many travelers face. Enter the Children’s Open Top Bus Tour – Halloween Special — a lively, educational, and festive way to see some of London’s most iconic landmarks. With its mix of engaging storytelling, fun costumes, and spooky tales, it promises a memorable experience for families eager to combine sightseeing with holiday fun.

This tour offers a handful of standout features: the live kid-friendly commentary, stunning views from the open-top bus, and the Halloween-themed extras that make it unique. It’s especially appealing if you’re visiting during the school holidays or want a shorter, more engaging alternative to traditional sightseeing. One thing to consider is that the tour’s duration is just 45 minutes, which is great for small attention spans but might leave some wanting more. Overall, it suits families with children aged 6 to 12 looking for a lively, story-driven introduction to London.

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Key Points

Family-friendly sightseeing with engaging, live commentary tailored for kids
Includes special Halloween content with spooky stories, masks, and treats
Affordable price point at around $23 per person for a 45-minute tour
Access to self-guided tours and real-time tracking via the Tootbus app
Highly rated for guides and entertainment with an average rating of 4.4/5 from hundreds of reviews
Convenient meeting point on Charles II Street, with flexible booking options

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This London kids’ tour is designed specifically with children’s curiosity and attention spans in mind. It’s not just a sightseeing jaunt — it’s a storytelling adventure that makes landmarks like the London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Downing Street come alive through lively tales and amusing facts delivered by a live English-speaking guide. Many reviews highlight the quality of the guides, with travelers mentioning guides like Luke and Jezz who were both entertaining and full of interesting anecdotes. One reviewer even noted how well the guide engaged kids during traffic jams, turning what could be a dull moment into a highlight.

The 45-minute duration is a big plus for families, especially those with younger children or tight schedules. It’s long enough to hit the main sights without the risk of boredom. One reviewer mentioned, “the perfect length to keep the attention of our 6 and 3-year-olds,” which shows how well this timing works for small kids.

Looking for more options in London? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

The Itinerary and Route Breakdown

The tour starts conveniently on Charles II Street, just a short walk from central London’s attractions. Once aboard the open-top double-decker, the adventure begins. The route covers many of the city’s most notable landmarks, offering stunning views and plenty of photo opportunities.

Landmarks you’ll see include:

The London Eye: From the top deck, the view of this giant ferris wheel is spectacular. It’s a recognizable symbol of London’s modern skyline.
Houses of Parliament and Big Ben: The iconic clock tower and parliamentary building are always a crowd favorite, their Gothic architecture providing a majestic backdrop.
Westminster Abbey: Passing by this historic church, the guide shares stories that bring its centuries of history to life, making it more than just a photo stop.
Pall Mall and Piccadilly Circus: These lively streets introduce kids to London’s vibrant atmosphere, with tales of royal connections and famous neon signs.
Downing Street: The home of UK Prime Minister, which adds a political twist to the tour’s stories.

The guide weaves in fun facts and spooky tales, especially during the Halloween season. For example, children might learn about London’s darker legends or ghost stories associated with some landmarks, making the tour both educational and entertaining.

The Halloween Special: Spooky Fun for Kids

Running from October 18th to November 2nd, the Halloween edition of this tour is a real treat. It includes Halloween-themed masks and candies onboard, enhancing the festive vibe. Kids are encouraged to dress up in costumes — a fun way to add some holiday spirit to sightseeing. The guide is dressed in themed accessories, and the stories take on a spooky twist, with “frightening anecdotes” that captivate young imaginations.

A standout feature is the interactive storytelling, with tales designed to be age-appropriate but with enough spooky flavor to thrill. Parents appreciate that the stories are fun without being too scary. One reviewer mentioned the guide’s humor and engaging delivery, saying, “Jezz was very entertaining and spoke to the children at exactly the right level.”

Special treats include sweets distributed onboard, and kids have a chance to win a family ticket for the Christmas Lights tour if they participate in themed activities or arrive in costumes.

Practical Details and Comfort

The cost of $23 per person makes this a pretty good deal, especially considering the included live guide, access to the app, and the experience’s quality. For families, this provides excellent value — a fun, educational outing that doesn’t require multiple ticket purchases or a long commitment.

The meeting point is conveniently located on Charles II Street, close to major attractions, and you’re advised to arrive at least 10 minutes early. The Tootbus app makes it easy to locate the start point, track the bus in real-time, and access self-guided walking tours before or after your ride.

The bus features Wi-Fi onboard, which is handy for sharing photos or looking up additional info during the trip. As the tour is non-stop, it’s a quick glimpse of London’s highlights, ideal for families with limited time or those wanting a short, engaging overview.

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What Do Reviewers Say?

Customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Many praise the guides’ knowledge and humor, with one reviewer saying, “Luke was a great tour guide, full of interesting and informative info.” Kids particularly enjoy the interactive elements, quiz questions during traffic jams, and the overall lively atmosphere. Parents comment on how the tour keeps children entertained, with one noting, “It was fun, informative, and the perfect length to keep the attention of our 6 and 3-year-olds.”

Some reviewers mention minor issues like difficulty finding the exact bus stop or traffic delays due to protests, but these are typical in busy London and shouldn’t detract from the overall experience. A few wished for a longer tour, but the 45-minute duration seems to strike a good balance.

There's plenty more to explore in London

In-Depth: Is It Worth the Price?

At $23, this tour offers good value for families wanting a guided, story-driven experience. It combines sightseeing, entertainment, and holiday fun, making it a memorable activity during your London stay. While it doesn’t include food or drinks, the overall package — including live commentary, interactive features, and access to the app — makes it a well-rounded, budget-friendly choice.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for families with children aged 6 to 12 who want to see London without lengthy walks or multiple stops. It’s perfect during school holidays or special occasions like Halloween, when kids can participate in themed activities. It also suits parents who appreciate engaging guides and a balance of education and entertainment.

It’s a fantastic way to introduce children to London’s landmarks in a fun, memorable way, especially for first-time visitors or those with busy schedules. The guided storytelling combined with festive elements creates a lively atmosphere that appeals to both kids and adults.

The Sum Up

The London Children’s Open Top Bus Tour – Halloween Special is a lively, family-oriented way to explore the city’s top sights while adding a festive, spooky twist. Its combination of entertaining guides, stunning views, and interactive storytelling makes it a standout activity for families looking for a fun, educational outing.

If you’re traveling with kids who thrive on stories, enjoy dressing up, or simply want to see London from a different perspective, you’ll find this tour offers great value for money. The short duration keeps it manageable even for small children, and the holiday-themed extras make it a unique experience worth considering during the Halloween season.

In short, this tour is best suited for families seeking a lively, guided introduction to London — a perfect mix of sightseeing, storytelling, and festive fun that your kids won’t forget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for young children?
Yes, it’s designed for kids between 6 and 12 years old, with live commentary tailored to their age group, making it engaging and easy to follow.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 45 minutes, providing a quick but rundown of several major landmarks.

Where does the tour start?
It begins on Charles II Street, near His Majesty’s Theatre. You should arrive at least 10 minutes early and use the Tootbus app to locate the exact meeting point.

Can I book this tour in advance?
Yes, you can reserve your spot online, with options to pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket covers the 45-minute live-guided tour, free access to the Tootbus app for self-guided walking tours, Wi-Fi onboard, and Halloween-themed treats during the special season.

Does the tour operate during school holidays?
Yes, it runs daily during school holidays, including the Halloween period from October 18th to November 2nd.

Are there any restrictions or things I should be aware of?
Oversize luggage, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted onboard. Also, be aware that traffic or protests may impact the route or timing.

Is food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but candies and masks are provided during the Halloween special.

Can I participate if I don’t wear a costume?
Absolutely, costumes are encouraged but not mandatory. However, dressing up gives you a chance to enter the contest for a Christmas Lights tour family ticket.

Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or returning with kids, this Halloween-themed open-top bus tour offers a fun, accessible, and visually stunning way to experience the city’s highlights.